The Senate voted 27-8 in favor of the bill on Wednesday, a day after the House passed the measure by an overwhelming majority.

The bill still faces final House and Senate votes.

In both chambers, lawmakers turned back an amendment that would have kept permit records open except for certain protected groups, such as police officers, judges, prosecutors and those protected by court orders.

The issue comes up days before a moratorium on the release of any concealed weapons permit information is due to expire.

A Justice Department civil rights investigation has concluded that the Ferguson Police Department and the city's municipal court engaged in a "pattern and practice" of discrimination against African-Americans, according to a U.S. law enforcement official.